Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions people most often ask about this ministry — who we are, what we teach, and how the work is funded. For questions about the Bible itself, the BTBM Knowledge Base answers 518 of them verse by verse.

What is Basic Training Bible Ministries?

Basic Training Bible Ministries is a nonprofit Bible-teaching ministry founded in 1994 to provide categorical Bible teaching and study materials — without cost — to anyone who wants them. It is based in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and its materials are used by believers worldwide.

Who founded the ministry, and who does the teaching?

Gene Cunningham founded Basic Training Bible Ministries in 1994 and serves as its president. He is the teacher behind the ministry’s books, audio lessons, video teaching and by-verse notes on the New Testament.

Is Basic Training Bible Ministries a registered nonprofit?

Yes. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Its Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 71-0755286 and its IRS ruling year is 2000. Annual Form 990 filings are posted on the Financial Accountability page.

Does the teaching cost anything?

No. Every book, audio lesson, video, podcast and set of teaching notes is given without charge. The ministry’s doctrinal statement puts it plainly: these materials are distributed by grace, and are not to be sold.

How is the ministry funded?

Through the free-will offerings of believers who choose to be part of the outreach. The ministry does not solicit funds, and has stated that it will not operate beyond the time God continues to provide them.

What does Basic Training Bible Ministries believe?

That the Holy Scriptures are the inspired, inerrant Word of God; that God is one, existing in three persons; that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God who became man, died as a substitutionary sacrifice and rose bodily from the dead; that salvation is the gift of God received by faith in Christ alone; and that every believer is kept secure forever. Each of these is set out with the Scripture it rests on in the Doctrinal Statement.

What teaching materials are available?

Books, by-verse notes on the New Testament, audio lessons, video teaching, podcasts, prayer diaries and mission reports. The Books Online and Media sections of this site hold the current catalogue.

Where can I find the answer to a specific Bible question?

In the BTBM Knowledge Base. It answers 518 questions drawn from Gene Cunningham’s teaching, and every answer carries the Scripture it rests on, the book pages that teach it, and the related questions it connects to. The same material can also be browsed by passage of Scripture.

How can I verify the ministry’s finances independently?

Form 990 filings going back to 2001 are public. ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer, Charity Navigator and Candid/GuideStar each publish information about EIN 71-0755286 drawn from public records, and the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search will confirm the ministry’s exempt status. Links to all four are on the Financial Accountability page.

How do I contact the ministry?

By mail at P.O. Box 21773, Hot Springs, AR 71903, United States, or by telephone at 501-622-8741. The Contact Us page carries a message form.

Still looking for something?

The BTBM Knowledge Base is the fastest way to find what the ministry teaches on a particular subject. Browse it by question or by passage of Scripture.